Latest news with #Rock'n'SoulMuseum
Axios
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Priscilla Presley honored for contributions to Tennessee music
Priscilla Presley received Tennessee's highest civilian honor Monday in recognition of her efforts to preserve the state's rich musical legacy. Why it matters: Priscilla Presley, who was married to Elvis Presley, was pivotal in preserving his Graceland home and making it a must-see destination for generations of music lovers. Graceland helped cement Memphis' reputation as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll. The big picture: Presley, 79, has also been a prominent supporter of Memphis' Rock 'n' Soul Museum, which also chronicles the city's role as a major hub for blues and soul music. She is currently advocating to relocate and expand the museum. State of play: Presley received Colonel Aide de Camp award from Gov. Bill Lee and members of the General Assembly at the Tennessee Capitol. Elvis Presley received the same honor in 1961.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Expanded Rock ‘n' Soul Museum could open in 2027
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A renovation and expansion project here in Memphis has the attention of some state lawmakers and it's all because of Priscilla Presley. She's lending some of her star power to the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum as it prepares to move to a bigger spot on Beale Street. At the Tennessee State Capitol, Memphis' music royalty and music history took center stage. Priscilla Presley, the former wife of Rock 'n Roll icon Elvis Presley, received the state's highest Tennessee Civilian honor, the Colonel, Aide de Camp Award. New xAI data center generates concern over environmental impact The recognition is the same honor Elvis was awarded back in March of 1961. As part of her visit to Nashville, Priscilla Presley also lent her voice to the future of Memphis music, supporting the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum's expansion and its quest for state funding. 'Memphis has an automatic asset bigger than most, and that's our Memphis history and that is Elvis Presley and that is Johnny Cash, and that's all the people who've come before us and got there start in Memphis,' Rep. John Gillespie said. 'It's only fitting that we have the best museum for music in the state in Memphis.' The Rock 'n' Soul Museum plans to leave its current home at FedExForum and move into the building that once housed the city's Hard Rock Cafe. The multi-million-dollar expansion is being called the largest single investment on Beale Street in the past decade. Memphis rally protests Tennessee immigration bills for schools 'This is the first time that we've come to the state. This is a big move,' said John Doyle, the Executive Director of the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. 'It's a big move for our museum to really elevate the Smithsonian building exhibit, but also to add a performance space, to add a recording studio to be able to offer opportunities for students to learn hands-on music.' Organizers hope the move will double the number of visitors at the museum. They said it could also drive tourists to other parts of downtown Memphis. 'With FedexForum, with the Memphis Grizzlies, the new Riverfront – for us to really be a cornerstone – the largest music entity in downtown Memphis,' Doyle said. 'There's a lot of responsibility there.' Crews hope to wrap up the museum project within the next few years. If all goes according to plan, the doors to the new museum could open sometime in 2027. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
